- The Houthi movement claimed it launched a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
- Saudi authorities reported three deaths and 36 injuries from attacks on airports in Riyadh and Abha.
- More than 275 flights were canceled at Riyadh airport on October 8, disrupting airlines and passengers.
Airlines canceled or suspended flights to Riyadh on Thursday, October 8, 2026, after Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed it had launched a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport. The claim came as carriers halted services and airport operations were disrupted.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the missile struck its target at midday.
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“Our armed forces targeted King Khalid Airport in Riyadh at midday with a ballistic missile that hit its target.”
Saudi authorities said attacks involving airports in the capital and Abha killed three people and injured more than 30. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation later recorded 36 injuries and three deaths from attacks on the two airports.
More than 275 flights were canceled at the airport on October 8, according to FlightAware. Cancellations represented about 40% of scheduled arrivals and 30% of departures.
By 4:25 p.m. local time, tracking data showed 169 of 378 scheduled departures and 124 of 369 scheduled arrivals canceled or not operating. Saudia accounted for 97 of 140 scheduled departures affected.
The Houthis also claimed attacks involving airports in the capital and Najran. Saudi authorities had not publicly identified those responsible. Airport operations shut down and restarted multiple times as officials assessed incoming threats, and a parked Saudia aircraft was reportedly heavily damaged by fire.
Airlines announced different suspension dates
Airlines announced different suspension periods. Some changes covered flights already scheduled, while Singapore Airlines postponed a planned service launch.
| Airline | Service change |
|---|---|
| Lufthansa Group | Suspended its airlines’ flights through October 16, citing “current developments in the Middle East.” |
| Air India | A Delhi flight returned to Delhi “in the interest of safety”; service was canceled through October 10. |
| Air India Express | Canceled flights through October 10; offered complimentary rebooking or a full refund. |
| Akasa Air | Suspended flights through October 10. |
| IndiGo | Canceled service through October 9. |
| Philippine Airlines | Canceled flights through at least October 11. |
| flydubai | Canceled flights 855 and 856 between Dubai and the airport on October 8. |
| Etihad Airways | Reported extended delays for flights EY555 and EY556 after the airport closure. |
| Riyadh Air | Paused all flights from the airport. A spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident at King Khalid International Airport and all Riyadh Air flights have been paused.” |
Air India Express offered affected customers a choice of rebooking or a full refund. The Singapore Airlines launch was postponed until March 28.
None of the airlines guaranteed an automatic return to normal operations. Passengers should verify flight status directly with their carrier before traveling to the airport.
